Looking to buy a VX

[Tone]

If you have to ask an enthusiast's board, you probably should NOT get one. Low, low gas mileage, poor rear (and front to some degree) visibility, difficult rear seat access, declining resale value (ain't no investment, and short wheelbase/performance ride aren't for everyone. But then you've read all that by searching the board.... Warranty is a mute point unless you find a low mileage, single owner VX.

[creeg]

I dont think you are going to dissuade me that easily.

I want to see one in person, and then I will decide. but I appreciate the honesty!

I just want to know if these are notorious for any major problems. Like I said, I use to own a 1959 Studebaker, so Im no stranger to problems and a rough ride. Im not looking for a Ferrari look that drives like a Rolls Royce.

The only other factor is that Im 6'2". one review I read say that the front seats are pretty roomy. As long as that is the case, I think I will be very happy with one of these.

[creeg]

I forgot to mention:

someone in my parking structure at work has one- that is where I fell in love with it. Its a yellow one, 5700 Wilshire in L.A.

Anyone know who that is? I would love to talk with them....

Craig

[Tone]

They are small but there are several tall owners - just depends if you can drive slightly reclined and your head close to the roof. Isuzu is known for having very long lasting engines/vehicles but you must stay on top of maintenance, especially monitoring the oil level since usage of 1 Qt per 3,000 miles (correct me ya'll if it less - I check mine weekly) and lack of lubrication has caused a number of failures. There are quite few VXes in Cali, I know of 2 friends in Marina Del Ray and Venice Beach/Santa Monica (yellow w/ Headblade advertising on it)

[AnalogVX]

You asked if the ride is similar to a Jeep Wrangler. That was my first comparison when I first got mine. Most easily fixed with Rancho adjustable shocks. I can not believe the improvement in the ride. More than likely, if the the one you find has the original shocks, one or all will need to be replaced anyway. I have not had the window problems to the extent of some here on the board, but it does exist as far the drivers window rocking slightly while it's being rolled up. Silicone every once in while helps that. CD player sucks plain outright...likes to keep your CDs. I replaced mine with the cubby insert. My oil consumption varies wildly from none to a quart every 1000 miles. Keep a watchful eye when you fill up. Otherwise, 87,500 miles and still going strong (knock wood). Spend some time searchng in depth and you will find a wealth on knowledge on the board. Good Luck!

[Raque Thomas]

I'm 6'1" and no problems at all with room. The VX feels much more roomy once you are in it than it looks from the outside. The back seat can be a little difficult to get into, but is quite roomy once you are back there. it rides like an '84 Vette (which they fixed in the later models), but I love that. Suffice it to say that if you run over a twig, you will feel it!!

The mechanical issues are minor (windows, Cd player, etc) except for the reputed engine failure problem; however, I think it may have been made to look a little worse here than it really is - this same engine was used in MANY Troopers, Rodeos, Passports, & SLX's, the failure rate per 1,000 has been low. The couple of people on the board who had an engine failure will most likely disagree with that statement!

As you've already discovered, this board is an excellent source of information, and the members are usually more than willing to help in any way possible. If you run into an issue, chances are someone else here has dealt with it and can give you some insight. Good luck, and WELCOME TO THE CLUB!

[creeg]

The more I talk about this, the more excited I am about getting one of these. Everything else Ive seen just doesnt fit. This totally fits me.

Im getting one. Theres a silver one, 2001, 82K miles, for around $12K.

Sounds like a good price to me.

Im going to be out of town this weekend. I just hope its still here when I get back...

Craig

[NJVX]

Creeg,

I bought mine about a year and a half ago, its a 2000. I found it on auto trader.com. I live in NJ, hence my name. lol. I had to go to NC. to get it.
It only had 44,000 miles on it when I bought it. I paid 13999. I think if you search around a little more you can find a better deal. Not that the one you are looking for is not, but I think you can get one with less miles. Knock on wood I now have 57000 on it with no problems. And yes I still love it, and smile when ever I think about it, or drive it..So good luck and you won't regret buying one..

Dean

[SW_VX gal]

Hi,

Newbie here, and fell in love with the VX like you did Craig...

I too am in the Los Angeles area, and saw a few as well, which
includes the silver one in the Autotrader....

You answered just about every question I could ask, which is why
I am thanking you for starting such an inforamtive thread.

I hope it all works out on your VX adventure, as I am looking as well,
and am doing my homework just like you...


Have a good weekend